It has been a little over three weeks since surgery. I had post-op follow-up last week, and the news was not quite what I expected. I'm healing well, except for dehydration, but the pathology report was disappointing. Of the 17 lymph nodes they took, 1 was positive for metastasis. I figure, 1 out of 17 isn't horrible, but it put me at stage 3. There is chemo and radiation in my future - beginning August 15, in fact.
A lot of things go through your mind when the doctor across the desk from you is rattling off facts, figures, and more information than your blown mind can assimilate. I just sat there, taking it all in. He said, you don't have confidence in me? Oh yes, I told him, I trust you implicitly when it comes to my treatment. You got my cousin through hers, and she had her port removed just three weeks ago. I trust you. But it's a lot to take in all at once, and my dear friend Gypsy passed away just this week...cancer. And you're saying I'll have to keep my port in for 5 years...So, my mind is racing, but I'm in your hands and God's, and I'm going to fight this, too, as hard as I can.
The first treatment is a strike back against cancer and i'm dedicating that one to Gypsy. My friend Gypsy, the bubble of laughter and love who is no doubt a bright and shining star or a comet or some other celestial anomaly smiling down on the earth and all the friends she has here. For you, Gypsy, as you make your music in the spheres.
The next treatment is a strike back for my Dad. He chose not to fight it that last time around. He was too tired. So the second treatment - in your honor, Dad, a blow against cancer for you. It's a lot easier to fight in the name of others than just myself, but I'm fighting for me, too. Hard.
I'm in the process of bolstering my immune system with approved supplements, taking my vitamins, eating a healthy diet, and drinking a lot of water so dehydration won't be a problem.
Planning to scrub my house from top to bottom so it will be the cleanest it has been since before the surgery. Stocking up on antibacterial wipes, bleach, Lysol to keep things right to reduce the risk of infection.
I'm going back to work for four weeks so maybe I won't have to come off of the payroll and go on short term disability. And besides...the work will be good for me. I've missed my work mates, and it seems they might have missed me, too. My supervisor was happy to hear that I'll be returning for a cameo appearance. She said, I'll take what I can get.
Life is just full of adventures. I can't wait to conquer this one.
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